Cuff Protector

ABSTRACT

A clip that fastens the cuffs of apparel, such as pants, shirts, and skirts, without doing damage to the apparel fabric. This is accomplished primarily by means of a crimp located at the clip&#39;s base, configured to keep the clip&#39;s outer and inner edges close together but not in contact at the clip&#39;s base. The crimp, a feature lacking in previously patented pants cuff clips, is found in most of the embodiments of the present invention. Other features designed to hold apparel fabric in place are included in other embodiments, to include a rubber coating placed on the surface of the clip, a rubber stopper placed on the tip of the clip&#39;s inner edge, a hinge placed at the junction of the crimp and the inner edge, a pin and clasp to hold the apparel material, and magnets that clasp the apparel material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a clip for cuffing such items as pants, sleeves, or other apparel through the use of design features such as crimps and elbows, rubber coating, a rubber stopper, and other features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pants cuff clips have become enormously popular in recent years. This is particularly true with the increased use of bicycles and the popularity of long pants. There are various styles of pants cuff clips available in the marketplace, but all of them are subject to the nemesis of cuff clips: gravity, which creates the problem of slippage.

A cuff clip is required to slide onto a cuff, gather the material, and hold the bunched-up material in place. However, due to gravity and the downward pressure of the bunched-up material, a cuff clip tends to give way and loosen its grip on the material. This kind of slippage could cause dire problems for bicyclists, construction workers, and others who require their cuffs to be firmly secured for safety reasons. Slippage can result not only in danger to the cuff clip wearer but can also cause damage to the apparel material being cuffed, since the material could be caught in bicycle gears, trod upon, or be damaged by water and mud.

Apparel material can be damaged not only by a cuff clip that slips loose, but also by a properly functioning, non-slipping cuff clip. A poorly designed clip, even if it holds the material without any slippage, can tear, stain, or leave a permanent indentation on apparel material. The present invention has design features that take the problems of slippage and apparel damage into account and go far toward rectifying it. This is done through the employment of design features that include, but are not limited to, a crimp at the clip's base, rubber coating, a rubber stopper, a hinge, a pin and clasp, and magnets.

U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2006/0010661 issued to Lonnie Murphy on Jan. 19, 2006, describes a clipping device designed to adjust the size or shape of a garment. Murphy's device is a two-piece device, which contrasts with the unitary approach of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,123 issued to Bobby J. Carter on Aug. 8, 2006, describes a pants cuff clip jewelry device with two clips, connected by a chain, that attach to a cuff and a shoe in order to prevent a cuff from dragging on the ground. Carter's device, with its multiplicity of parts and emphasis on decorative over functional aspects, is far different from the unitary nature of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2006/0213036 issued to Vincent Flowers et al. on Sep. 28, 2006, describes a pants cuff clip that slips onto the material and gathers it into a bulge at the base of the clip. This device lacks the unique features of the present invention, to include the crimping feature, the rubber coating, and the rubber stopper.

U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2006/0218698 issued to Kathleen M. Toyne on Oct. 5, 2006, describes a pants stabilizer which is designed to be fastened to the interior portion of a pants cuff in order to give the cuff stability, rigidity, and weight. Unlike the present invention, Toyne's device cannot shorten an item of apparel and is not able to raise the cuff.

U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2007/0192998 issued to Daniel B. Ryder on Aug. 23, 2007, describes a pants cuff retaining clip assembly that is designed to be attached to the wearer's shoe soles and pants cuffs. This device also differs from the present invention in that it cannot shorten the leg of a pair of pants and is not able to raise the cuffs.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,862 issued to Lloyd Ellington on Sep. 25, 2007, describes a pants cuff protecting device and method. This device is designed to clip onto the bottom of pants cuffs and drag along the ground in order to protect the pants fabric. This device is very different from the present invention in both design and function.

U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2007/0277292 issued to Michael L. Lambert et al. on Dec. 6, 2007, describes a pants cuff protector and system thereof. This device grips opposite sides of a shoe sole in order to hold the rear cuff tight against the heel of the wearer. This device is very different from the present invention in both design and function.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to a clip for the cuffs of apparel, such as pants, shirts, or skirts. The function of the present invention is to gather apparel material into a bulge and hold it in place; this can be done to decrease the length of the apparel for practical or style considerations.

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention accomplishes its purpose through the function of a crimp at the base, which grips the apparel and keeps the clip firmly in place. The crimp at the base of the clip is a feature lacking in previously patented pants cuff clips.

In other embodiments, the present invention includes the functions of a rubber coating placed on the surface of the clip, a rubber stopper placed on the tip of the clip's inner edge, and a hinge placed at the junction of the crimp and the inner edge. Other functions utilized by embodiments of the present invention include a pin and clasp to hold the apparel material, and magnets that clasp the apparel material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing feature being the crimp at the clip's base.

FIG. 2 is a view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention but at ¾ scale.

FIG. 3 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing feature being a rubber coating on the surface of the clip.

FIG. 4 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing feature being a rubber stopper at the tip of the bulge.

FIG. 5 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing feature being the two elbows on the inner edge, one above and one below the clip's midpoint.

FIG. 6 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing features being the spring at the base, and the elbow above the clip's midpoint.

FIG. 7 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing feature being two elbows on the inner edge, one above and one below the clip's midpoint, forming a crimp.

FIG. 8 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing features being a crimp at the clip's base, and a hinge placed directly above the crimp.

FIG. 9 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing features being a crimp at the clip's base, and a pin and clasp near the clip's summit.

FIG. 10 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing features being a crimp at the clip's base, and a snap lock near or at the clip's summit.

FIG. 11 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing features being the crimp at the clip's base, and magnets placed at or near the clip's summit.

FIG. 12 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing feature being an inner edge lower fastener near the clip's base.

FIG. 13 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing feature being an outer edge lower fastener near the clip's base.

FIG. 14 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing features being the addition of a middle edge, two hinges at the clip's base that connect to the outer and middle edges, and a flexible link that connects the outer and middle edges together.

FIG. 15 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention, the distinguishing features being a crimp at the clip's base, the addition of a middle edge, two hinges at the clip's base that connect to the outer and middle edges, and a flexible link that connects the outer and middle edges together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to a clip (5) that comes in numerous styles, all of which are for binding a cuff of an item of apparel such as pants, shirts, skirts or other clothing items. The designs of these clips take into account the problems that routinely result when trying to clip a cuff of an item of apparel, namely slippage and damage to the apparel material.

The present invention in the preferred embodiment (FIG. 1) is a clip (5) formed by either a single or double strand of durable material. Examining the clip (5) in further detail, it is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel, an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, and a crimp (20) at the clip's base (25). The crimp (20) was designed by keeping the outer edge (10) and inner edge (50) close together at the clip's base (25). Slightly above the crimp (20), the inner edge (50) forms a bulge (40), then curves towards the outer edge (10) above the clip's midpoint (45) to create an elbow (30). Above the elbow (30), the inner edge (50) curves away from the outer edge (10), creating a gap (15) at the clip's summit (35) that allows the user easy attachment of the clip (5) onto the cuff of an apparel item. The preferred embodiment is designed so that when the clip (5) is attached onto a cuff of an apparel item, the apparel fabric will bunch up within the bulge (40) at the clip's midpoint (45), and be held in place by the crimp (20) at the clip's base (25) and the elbow (30) above the clip's midpoint (45). These features combine to achieve non-slippage without damaging apparel material.

A variation of the preferred embodiment (FIG. 2) is identical except for the size, which is approximately ¾ of the preferred embodiment. The smaller size lends itself to use with apparel material of smaller size or more diaphanous material.

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. This embodiment is also formed from either a single or double strand of durable material. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel, an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, and a rubber coating (60) covering the surface of the clip (5). From the clip's base (25), the inner edge (50) forms a bulge (40) then curves towards the outer edge (10), forming an elbow (30) above the clip's midpoint (45). Above the elbow (30), the inner edge (50) curves away from the outer edge (10), creating a gap (15) through which apparel material will be inserted. When the clip (5) is attached to a cuff of an apparel item, apparel material will bunch up within the bulge (40) at the clip's base (25). The apparel material will be held in place not only by the elbow (30) but also by the rubber coating (60), achieving a firm grasp of the apparel material without any damage to that material.

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4. This embodiment also is formed from either a single or double strand of durable material. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel, an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, and a rubber stopper (70) placed at the top of the inner edge (50). From the clip's base (25), the inner edge (50) forms a bulge (40) then curves towards the outer edge (10) below the clip's midpoint (45). The top of the inner edge (50) is capped by the rubber stopper (70), creating a gap (15) slightly below the clip's midpoint (45). This gap (15) is the insertion point for the apparel material, which will bunch up within the bulge (40) at the clip's base (25) and will be held in place by the rubber stopper (70) at the top of the inner edge (50).

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. It also is formed from either a single or double strand of durable material. A distinguishing feature of this embodiment is the double elbow design in the inner edge (50), which combines in this segment an elbow (30) that grips apparel material and an upper elbow (55) that creates a gap (15) through which apparel material can be inserted. Examining this embodiment in further detail, we see that the clip (5) is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel and an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel. The inner edge (50) forms a bulge (40) at the clip's base (25), then curves towards the outer edge (10) creating an elbow (30) near the clip's midpoint (45). Above this elbow (30), the inner edge (50) then slants away from the outer edge (10), forming an upper elbow (55) that creates a gap (15) through which the apparel material will be inserted when the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff. Apparel material will bunch up within the bulge (40) formed at the clip's base (25), and the clip (5) will be held in place by the elbow (30) near the clip's midpoint (45).

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel, an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, and a spring (80) that connects the inner edge (50) and outer edge (10) near the clip's base (25). The inner edge (50) forms a bulge (40) above the spring (80), then curves into the outer edge (10) above the clip's midpoint (45) to form an elbow (30). Above the elbow (30), the inner edge (50) curves away from the outer edge (10) to form a gap (15) through which the apparel material will be inserted when the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff. When the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff of an apparel item, the apparel material will bunch up within the bulge (40) and will be held in place by the elbow (30) and spring (80).

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. This embodiment is also formed from either a single or double strand of durable material. In this embodiment, the clip (5) has a double elbow design in the inner edge (50), which combines in this one segment an elbow (30), a crimp (20), and an upper elbow (55). The clip (5) is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel, and an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel. The inner edge (50) forms a bulge (40) at the clip's base (25), then curves towards the outer edge (10) near the clip's midpoint (45), forming an elbow (30). Above this elbow (30), the inner edge (50) creates a crimp (20) then curves away from the outer edge (10), forming an upper elbow (55) that creates a gap (15) through which the apparel material will be inserted when the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff. When the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff of an apparel item, apparel material will bunch up within the bulge (40) and will be held in place by the elbow (30), crimp (20), and upper elbow (55).

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel, an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, a crimp (20) at the clip's base (25), and a hinge (90) built into the inner edge (50) above the crimp (20). The crimp (20) was designed by keeping the outer edge (10) and inner edge (50) close together near the clip's base (25) below the hinge (90). Above the hinge (90), the inner edge (50) forms a bulge (40), then curves back toward the outer edge (10) above the clip's midpoint (45). The inner edge (50) opens on the hinge (90), creating a gap (15) through which the apparel material will be inserted. After the apparel material is inserted, the inner edge (50) closes on the hinge (90) against the outer edge (10) in order to clasp the apparel material. When the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff of an apparel item, apparel material will bunch up within the bulge (40) and will be held in place by the crimp (20) and the closed inner edge (50).

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel, an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, a crimp (20) near the clip's base (25), a pin (95) attached to the top of the inner edge (50), and a clasp (100) that affixes to the pin (95) on the exterior of the apparel material. The crimp (20) was designed by keeping the outer edge (10) and inner edge (50) close together near the clip's base (25). Above the crimp (20), the inner edge forms a bulge (40), then curves back towards the outer edge (10) above the clip's midpoint (45). At the top of the inner edge (50) is attached the pin (95) which will penetrate the apparel material and be affixed in place by the clasp (100). When the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff of an apparel item, apparel material will bunch up within the bulge (40) and be held in place by the crimp (20) as well as by the pin (95) and clasp (100).

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel, an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, a crimp (20) at the clip's base (25), and a snap/lock (105) at the clip's summit (35). The crimp (20) was designed by keeping the outer edge (10) and inner edge (50) close together near the clip's base (25). Above the crimp (20), the inner edge (50) forms a bulge (40), and at the clip's summit (35) is attached the snap/lock (105). When the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff of an apparel item, apparel material will bunch up within the bulge (40) and be held in place by the crimp (20) and the snap/lock (105).

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel, an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, a crimp (20) at the clip's base, and magnets (115) attached near the clip's summit (35). The crimp (20) was designed by keeping the outer edge (10) and inner edge (50) close together at the clip's base (25). Above the crimp (20), the inner edge (50) forms a bulge (40), then curves towards the outer edge (10) forming an elbow (30) on which the magnets (115) are attached, one on the inner edge (50) and one on the outer edge (10). When the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff of an apparel item, apparel material will bunch up within the bulge (40) and be held in place by the crimp (20) as well as by the attraction of the magnets (115).

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an outer edge (10) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel and an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel. The inner edge (50) and outer edge (10) are joined at the clip's base (25), where the inner edge (50) divides in half to form the inner edge lower fastener (140). The inner edge lower fastener (140) forms a bulge (40) at the clip's base (25), then curves towards the outside edge (10) forming an elbow (30) before curving towards the inside edge (50) to form a gap (15) through which the apparel material will be inserted when the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff. The inner edge (50) continues upwards from the clip's base (25) parallel to the outer edge (10) until near the clip's summit (35), when it curves towards the outer edge (10) forming an upper elbow (55), then curves away from the outer edge (10) forming another gap (15) through which apparel material will be inserted when the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff. When the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff of an apparel item, the apparel material will be held in place by the elbow (30) of the inner edge lower fastener (140) and the upper elbow (55) of the inner edge (50).

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 13. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, and an outer edge (10) and outer edge fastener (160) that will be exposed on the outside of the cuffed apparel. From the clip's summit (35), the outer edge (10) proceeds down to the clip's base (25) in a straight line until just past the clip's midpoint (45), at which point the outer edge (10) divides in half to form the outer edge fastener (160). The outer edge fastener (160) curves towards the inner edge (50) forming an elbow (30) before curving back towards the outer edge (10). The outer edge (10) and inner edge (50) are joined at the clip's base (25), then the inner edge (50) proceeds upwards parallel to the outer edge (10) until near the clip's summit (35), where the inner edge (50) curves towards the outer edge (10) forming an upper elbow (55), then curves away from the outer edge (10) forming a gap (15) through which apparel material will be inserted when the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff. When the clip (5) is fastened onto a cuff of an apparel item, the apparel material will be held in place by the elbow (30) of the outer edge fastener (160) and the upper elbow (55) near the clip's summit (35).

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 14. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, plus a middle edge (65) and outer edge (10) that will be on the outside of the cuffed apparel and are connected to the clip's base (25) by an inmost hinge (90 a) and an outmost hinge (90 b). From the clip's summit (35), the inner edge (50) proceeds downwards in a straight line until it curves 90 degrees towards the outer edge (10) forming the clip's base (25), which is connected to the middle edge (65) by the inmost hinge (90 a) and to the outer edge (10) by the outmost hinge (90 b). From the inmost hinge (90 a) at the clip's base (25), the middle edge (65) curves towards the outer edge (10), forming a bulge (40) in which will be collected the gathered apparel fabric. The bulge (40) extends past the clip's midpoint (45), after which the middle edge (65) curves towards the inner edge (50), forming an elbow (30) and a gap (15) through which apparel fabric will be inserted at the clip's summit (35). Looking again at the clip's base (25), it is connected via the outmost hinge (90 b) to the outer edge (10). Just above the clip's base (25), the outer edge (10) and middle edge (65) are connected by means of a flexible link (75), after which the outer edge (10) proceeds in a straight line to the clip's summit (35).

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, the clip (5) is comprised of an inner edge (50) that will be on the inside of the cuffed apparel, a crimp (20) at the clip's base (25), plus a middle edge (65) and outer edge (10) that will be on the outside of the cuffed apparel and are connected to the clip's base (25) by an inmost hinge (90 a) and an outmost hinge (90 b). From the clip's summit (35), the inner edge (50) proceeds downwards in a straight line until it curves 90 degrees towards the outer edge (10), forming the clip's base (25), which is connected to the middle edge (65) by the inmost hinge (90 a) and to the outer edge (10) by the outmost hinge (90 b). From the inmost hinge (90 a) at the clip's base (25), the middle edge (65) forms a crimp (20) then curves towards the outer edge (10), forming a bulge (40) in which will be collected the gathered apparel fabric. The bulge (40) extends past the clip's midpoint (45), after which the middle edge (65) curves towards the inner edge (50), forming an elbow (30) and a gap (15) through which apparel fabric will be inserted at the clip's summit (35). Looking again at the clip's base (25), it is connected via the outmost hinge (90 b) to the outer edge (10). Just above the clip's base (25), the outer edge (10) and middle edge (65) are connected by means of a flexible link (75), after which the outer edge (10) proceeds in a straight line to the clip's summit (35).

In each of the above embodiments, a decorative element (120) can be affixed to the outer edge (10) of the clip (5). In this manner, the present invention provides a wearer with the opportunity to functionally maintain a cuff while also displaying a visual element.

In summary, in the preferred embodiment and in the majority of the other embodiments, the present invention is a cuff protection clip, made of an outer edge for placement outside the cuff, an inner edge for placement inside the cuff, and a crimp located at the clip's base. The crimp is configured to keep the outer and inner edges close together but not in contact at the clip's base. In addition, the inner edge is configured to curve away from the outer edge below the clip's midpoint to form a bulge, to curve toward the outer edge above the clip's midpoint to form an elbow, and to curve away from the outer edge near the clip's summit to form a gap. The crimp holds the bottom of the cuff firmly in place, and with the elbow holds the clip in place on the cuff, while the apparel fabric of the cuff bunches up within the bulge.

In other embodiments, the present invention is a cuff protection clip with an outer edge for placement outside the cuff, and an inner edge for placement inside the cuff. In each of these embodiments, the inner edge curves away from the outer edge at the clip's base in order to form a bulge, and curves toward the outer edge near the clip's midpoint to form an elbow. The elbow holds the clip in place on the cuff, while the apparel fabric of the cuff bunches up within the bulge. 

1. A protection apparatus for a cuff, comprising: a clip comprised of an outer edge, an inner edge, a crimp and a base; said outer edge configured to rest on an outside of the cuff; said inner edge configured to rest on an inside of the cuff; said crimp located at said base; said crimp configured to keep said outer edge and said inner edge close together at said base without said outer edge and said inner edge touching one another; said inner edge below a midpoint of said clip and above said crimp, said inner edge configured to curve away from said outer edge such that a bulge is formed; said inner edge above said midpoint of said clip configured to curve toward said outer edge such that an elbow is formed; and said elbow configured to be located below a gap, said gap formed via said inner edge located above said elbow at which point said inner edge is configured to curve away from said outer edge.
 2. The protection apparatus for a cuff of claim 1, wherein said clip is held in place on said cuff via said crimp and said elbow.
 3. The protection apparatus for a cuff of claim 2, wherein said clip is held in place on said cuff via said crimp and said elbow such that apparel fabric will bunch up within said bulge.
 4. The protection apparatus for a cuff of claim 1, wherein said crimp configured to hold a bottom of said cuff firmly in place.
 5. The protection apparatus for a cuff of claim 1, wherein said elbow configured to place pressure on said apparel fabric such that said clip is held in place.
 6. A protection apparatus for a cuff, comprising: an outer edge; an inner edge communicating with said outer edge at a base; an elbow, said elbow configured at a point that said inner edge nearly communicates with said outer edge; a bulge disposed between said outer edge and said inner edge, said bulge disposed between said base and said elbow.
 7. The protection apparatus for a cuff of claim 6, wherein said inner edge curves away from said outer edge above said elbow.
 8. The protection apparatus for a cuff of claim 6, wherein said outer edge is planar. 